The Book Development Manager leads the front‑end of the publishing pipeline for the House’s K‑10 market. This role focuses on author engagement, manuscript shaping, and market intelligence, ensuring projects are viable, pedagogically sound, and aligned with the publisher’s long‑term roadmap. Working in parallel with production managers, the Book Development Manager nurtures authors and prepares manuscripts for smooth transition into production.

Key Responsibilities

• Scout and engage potential authors, subject matter experts, and connect with partner institutions (ex. Catholic schools, diocesan or system schools)
• Present publishing opportunities and nurture long‑term author relationships
• Review and shape manuscripts and proposals for curriculum fit, market relevance, and feasibility
• Guide authors through onboarding, orientation, and continuing training programs
• Prepare project briefs, proposals (new and revision titles), and recommendations for the Executive Committee’s review
• Conduct preliminary negotiations on scope, timelines, and expectations
• Track manuscript status and maintain author/project databases
• Provide development forecasts to support 3‑ and/or 5‑year publishing plans
• Monitor curriculum changes, competitor titles, and educational trends, and coordinate with Marketing to align manuscript development with market insights
• Recommend development priorities to strengthen the product portfolio
• Collaborate with production managers to ensure manuscripts are development and production‑ready before compliance checks (curriculum, formatting, technical and house standards)
• Facilitate IP registration requirements with authors
• Inform authors of project conclusion and launch milestones; coordinate distribution of complimentary copies
• Implement contract terms during manuscript development in coordination with Legal and Production (copyright research support/licenses, amendments, penalties, author replacements, revision/rewriting costs, etc.)
• Oversee author-related matters tied to contracts and manuscripts, including disputes, royalty concerns, and copyright/derivative work issues.